GUELPH – A group of six from Guelph is celebrating after winning a $2 million top prize in the Ontario 49 draw on Aug. 30.
The group of six work together in the automotive industry and have been playing the lottery as a group since 2018.
The group members include: San Do; Duc Tu; Gizel Gonzalez; Ha Viet Pham; Thanh Nguyen and Tuyet Ly.
They enjoy playing Ontario 49, Lotto Max, and Lotto 6/49 on a regular basis.
Do used the OLG app to check the group’s ticket and discovered their big win. “At first, I thought we won $2,000,” he shared while at the OLG Prize Centre in Toronto to claim their winnings.
“After taking a closer look, I realized it was $2 million. I was shaking with excitement. I knew I wasn’t going to be able to sleep, so I started calling my group members.”
“I didn’t believe it until we all went to check the ticket together,” said Viet Pham.
“We were so happy,” added Ly.
Do said his coworkers were overwhelmed with joy and shock.
“We hugged and celebrated together,” he recalled with a smile. “I once had a dream where I matched six numbers and won the lottery. Now, that dream has come true.”
Each group member has their own plans for how they’ll use their portion of the windfall.
Do plans to invest for the future and treat himself to a new car. Tu is looking forward to treating their wife to a nice, long vacation.
Gonzalez intends to pay off their car and save for retirement.
Viet Pham will use their share to pay some bills and share with their son.
Nguyen is excited to pay off some bills, help their daughter with education expenses and treat themselves to their dream truck – a Ford Raptor.
Ly plans to use this opportunity to retire early.
Ontario 49 is $1 per play and the draws take place every Wednesday and Saturday.
Combination Play is available in five-, seven, eight- and nine-number selections. Tickets are sold until 10:30pm.
The winning ticket was purchased at Shell on Speedvale Avenue West in Guelph.
Visit the ONTARIO 49 page on OLG.ca for more information.
